A Painting of the Villainess as a Young Lady

As the music flowed, people moved their feet in time with the rhythm. The young people, dressed to the nines, each harbored their own romantic notions as they swayed with their partners.

Among them, the two most dazzling individuals danced and conversed secretly, just as they had before.

“I hope you won’t step on my foot like last time.”

“Would I dare to harm the empire’s crown prince?”

As the music from the orchestra grew louder, the hem of her skirt spread out like a flower.

“Haha, we had the same conversation back then.”

“I apologize. My memory hasn’t been great recently…”

“Really? Then do you not remember promising me the future back then?”

“Do you understand the weight of your words, Your Highness?”

“Did you really think such tricks would work on me?”

“Well, one thing is certain. It seems like you’re getting comfortable with me.”

“If it displeases you, I’d be happy to correct my behavior.”

“No, I like it as it is.”

Rajaden’s guiding touch was extremely skilled. Whether he had danced with many women or not, if his partner showed the slightest hesitation, his familiar hand would lead them into the next movement.

“Ohh, Your Highness…”

Seeing them, even the young ladies who harbored feelings for the crown prince had to admit it. The two looked perfect together.

At the same time, the young ladies were curious about what the crown prince and Violet were talking about. In their imaginations, Rajaden and Violet were sharing sweet, fantastical, and secret conversations.

In reality, their conversation was anything but exciting.

The music changed once more. Those who enjoyed dancing continued by switching partners. Rajaden looked at Violet with a very disappointed expression.

“Shall we dance one more song together…”

“I’m already tired, Your Highness.”

Before he could even finish his question, Violet sharply refused. Rajaden looked at her with the pout of a stubborn seven-year-old.

“Just from one song?”

“My stamina isn’t very good. I apologize for not being able to stay longer.”

“It’s a rare occasion. Or are you okay with me dancing with other women?”

He was indeed persistent. Violet saw a glimpse of her younger brother’s stubbornness in Rajaden and paused for a moment.

“For the sake of looking my best, I couldn’t even have a proper lunch, and my feet hurt from these unfamiliar high heels… But if Your Highness insists, I can dance one more song. Even though the weight of the accessories is making it difficult for me to move.”

“In that case, take a re—”

“Then I’ll be going. Please enjoy yourself.”

Overwhelmed by Violet’s admission, Rajaden awkwardly responded.

He had simply thought she looked more beautiful today, not considering her discomfort.

It was half an excuse and half the truth anyway. The high heels she hadn’t worn in a while were causing her body to break down. She regretted not wearing comfortable shoes, but it was too late now that she was already out.

As he watched Violet leave, Rajaden still wore a look of disappointment. He saw the young ladies lingering around him with hopeful eyes, but his expression remained the same.

Violet coldly ignored the lingering gazes clinging to her.

Escaping the scene, Violet took a breath in a secluded corner. The pain in her feet could be solved by changing shoes. However, the mental fatigue from dealing with people had no remedy.

Finding a spot where she wouldn’t be noticed, Violet watched Rajaden continuously lead someone in dance. Women surrounded him without pause, and thanks to that, Rajaden changed partners with each new song.

His expression while dancing was infinitely kind yet arrogant. Noticing a subtle difference from the face he showed her, Violet bit her lip in bitter reflection.

If only, even just a little, our meeting, our positions, our lives were different, things might have been okay.

Whether it was to invoke jealousy by dancing with others or simply because he enjoyed moving, Rajaden wholeheartedly enjoyed the ball.

Seeing this, Violet felt an inexplicable loneliness.

She had thought she was no longer a stranger in this world, but at this banquet, she felt like an outsider.

“Are you resting alone?”

Someone approached Violet. It was a young man who appeared quite neat.

“Yes. I’m resting because I’m tired.”

“In that case, may I have this dance…?”

“I’m sorry, but my feet hurt. It’s a shame.”

Having just said she was tired, what kind of mindset led him to ask her to dance? The young man, who had mustered up his courage, retreated without achieving his goal.

“Beautiful lady, why are you alone in such a place? Could it be that this is a place ordained by the gods for us to share this enchanting night…?”

There was even someone spouting nonsense. He seemed quite confident in his appearance, but he did not catch Violet’s eye.

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